Aiming for the eternal and missing

Article Abstract:

Coventry Cathedral, England, designed by Basil Spence in 1951 and opened in 1962, is thought to fail in its acoustics and windows. The original designs were controversial but the building has been augmented by others. Inside the walls are windowless. Planned sculpture to adorn the walls and ceiling did not materialise. The walls, of saw-tooth design with zig-zags, were intended to light the altar but it did not work out. Hope Bagnall, acoustics adviser for the Royal Festival Hall, was invited to review the design and found them acoustically poor. The ceiling design was altered to a fashionable one rather than a timeless one but orchestral music is not possible.

Author: Dormer, Peter
Design and construction, Criticism and interpretation, 20th century AD, Architecture, Modern, Modern architecture, Cathedrals, Spence, Basil Urwin, Sir

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Telling tales of the riverboat men

Article Abstract:

The men who operate the tourist boats on the Thames have strong opinions about the buildings which can be seen from the river, and may influence tourists' views about London architecture. They tend to dislike modern architecture, criticising buildings such as the National Gallery and Mondial House, British Telecom's international telephone complex. They often express opinions which are heavily tinged with class resentment, pointing out the houses of rich celebrities with considerable disdain.

Author: Dormer, Peter
London, England

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City of churches searches for its soul

Article Abstract:

The city of Norwich has many historical buildings, including 32 pre-Reformation churches and a Norman Castle. However, many of these have not been restored, and the city has failed to establish strong links with its past. It is keen to promote its historic role as the capital of east Anglia, but in recent generations development work has been unsympathetic.

Author: Dormer, Peter
Norwich, England

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Subjects list: Buildings and facilities
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